Subvented theatre organisations to merge
Subvented theatre organisations to merge
Akosombo (Eastern Region) 03 November 2000
The on-going third Government Re-invention Workshop at Akosombo, has approved the merger of Subvented Performing Arts Organisations under a single board of directors.
The organisations, comprising the National Theatre, Ghana Dance Ensemble (GDE), National Dance Company (NDC) and National Symphonic Orchestra (NSO), will come under a reconstituted board of directors of the National Theatre which will receive government subvention on behalf of all four organisations.
Legal instruments, which establish the four organisations as autonomous entities, will be reviewed to back the merger.
Participants at the four-day workshop unanimously approved the merger and charged the consultants to develop the modalities to take effect "within the shortest possible time".
The workshop, organised by the National Institutional Renewal Programme (NIRP) and the National Oversight Committee (NOC), is to develop and approve action plans for the restructuring of 25 subvented institutions.
Mr Chess Abeasi, Director-General of the Private Enterprises Foundation (PEF), who presided over the discussion, said the four entities have common programmes and problems.
He said whilst the National Theatre is able to generate about 60 per cent of its revenue needs, the other organisations depend solely on limited subventions.
This situation, he said, tends to focus all attention on activities of the national theatre, limiting the growth of the arts industry to one direction, to the detriment of the others.
"A merger will not only help the others to benefit from the large corporate organisation sponsorships of the arts, but also develop the arts industry in a wholesome and more dynamic way'', he said.
In a related development participants approved a proposal for the Armed Forces Sports Control Board (AFSCB) to be recapitalised.
Under recapitalization, the Elwak stadium is to be rehabilitated and fitted with modern sports facilities to enable the board to generate funds through regular use of the stadium.
Professor Cletus Dordonu, Deputy Director-General of GIMPA said the rehabilitation of Elwak could make it available for national league matches and other international football tournaments and sporting activities, adding, "It will also encourage civilian/military sports activities.''
He therefore proposed that the stadium should be expanded, roofed, re-grassed and fitted with chairs, astro-turf tracks, swimming pools and other facilities.
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